Unlocking MBA Admissions Through NMAT: Exam Details and Top Colleges

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Isha

18 October, 2025

Unlocking MBA Admissions Through NMAT: Exam Details and Top Colleges

Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test or NMAT is one of the most preferred exams for MBA admissions. GMAC, a national-level institute that also conducts GMAT, conducts the NMAT exam annually. Aspirants from all over the world participate in the exam for admission to MBA and PGDM courses. However, with every top-notch exam, there come a lot of doubts and misconceptions. Along with Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, many other leading B-Schools in India accept NMAT scores.

For an aspirant, it is crucial to do thorough research and understand the critical features of the exam. With this blog, we discuss a thorough introduction to the NMAT entrance exam. You shall learn about the NMAT full form and the exam’s purpose. Learn about NMAT exam fees, syllabus, pattern, and more such vital information. So, let us begin with:

What is the NMAT Exam for MBA? NMAT Exam Overview

NMAT full form is Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test, which is conducted by GMAC. NMAT is a national-level entrance exam for MBA admissions across top B-schools in India and abroad. This is a computer-based test (CBT), organised once a year. Furthermore, this MBA entrance exam tests your aptitude for quantitative skills, language skills, and logical reasoning. Additionally, NMAT is also recognised for its student-friendly features. It allows you to choose your exam date, location, and time. Moreover, NMAT by GMAC is accepted by more than 50 B-schools in India and 25 institutions in foreign countries for admission to MBA/PGDM courses.

NMAT By GMAC: Key Highlights

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a national body responsible for conducting management entrance exams for admissions to MBA or other management courses across India and overseas institutions. Every year, GMAC conducts the NMAT entrance exam, allowing candidates to choose their preferred time and location. Here are the key highlights of the NMAT by GMAC exam:

ParametersDetails
NMAT Full FormNarsee Monjee Aptitude Test
Conducting BodyGraduate Management Admission Council
FrequencyAnnually
Level of ExamInternational
Mode of ExamCBT (Computer-Based Mode)
NMAT Exam DatesOctober – December (Tentative)
NMAT Exam Duration120 Minutes (2 Hours)
No. of AttemptsUp to 3
NMAT Exam FeesINR 3,000 + applicable taxes
No. of Questions108
Total Marks360 (Overall score)

You May Also Read: MBA Colleges Without Entrance Exams

Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test: Essential Details Covered!

Here are the Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test eligibility, exam pattern, registration, and other crucial information. Explore the essential details of the NMAT by GMAC entrance exam thoroughly.

Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test- Essential Details Covered

NMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

NMAT eligibility criteria are very straightforward and explicit. Here are the details:

Eligibility CriteriaDetails
EducationBachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised institution.
An aggregate of 50% marks is mandatory for graduation.
Final year students can also apply, ensuring the minimum required scores upon result declaration.
There may be some other requirements for specific courses in particular colleges.
Work ExperienceNot required (some institutes may prefer).
Age LimitNo upper age limit criteria.
NationalityIndian & International

NMAT Exam Pattern

NMAT by GMAC is known to be student-friendly because of its features. The NMAT exam pattern is divided into three sections: language skills, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning. Each section contains 36 questions, making a total of 108 questions. The questions in the NMAT exam are multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with four options containing each. For every correct answer, you shall be rewarded with +1 mark. Additionally, there is no negative marking scheme. Moreover, each section in the NMAT exam is assigned a fixed time. Here is an overview:

Exam ParameterDetails
Total Questions108
Sections & Time Language Skills: 28 Minutes; 36 Questions
Quantitative Skills: 52 Minutes; 36 Questions
Logical Reasoning: 40 Minutes; 36 Questions
Duration120 Minutes
Marking Scheme +1 for every correct answer
No negative marking
Question TypeMCQs
Score Type Each section’s score ranges from 12-120
Total Score Range: 36-360

Note: You can take up to 3 attempts of NMAT. However, NMIMS only considers your first attempt score for MBA admissions.

NMAT Exam Syllabus

The NMAT by GMAC syllabus primarily contains three sections: language skills, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning. Each section covers several topics and is designed specifically to test your skills across various domains. Check out the main details of the syllabus:

NMAT Exam Section-Wise Syllabus:

Language SkillsQuantitative SkillsLogical Reasoning
Reading ComprehensionPercentage & RatioArrangements
Synonyms & AntonymsTime & WorkBlood Relations
AnalogiesProfit & LossSyllogisms
Grammar (Sentences & Errors)Geometry (Lines, Angles, & Triangles)Puzzles
Jumble ParagraphsAlgebraic Equations & InequalitiesInput-Output
Cloze TestsNumber System (Divisibility, HCF, LCM)Coding – Decoding
Sentence CompletionData InterpretationCritical Reasoning
VocabularyPermutation & ProbabilitySeating Arrangement

NMIMS NMAT: What Do These Sections Test:


  • The Language Skills section tests your expertise in comprehension, reading speed, and language proficiency.

  • The Quantitative Skills section focuses on data analysis, accuracy in numbers, and formula application.

  • The Logical Reasoning section tests your ability in logical deduction, problem-solving, and pattern recognition.

NMAT Exam Fees

NMAT exam registration fees are INR 3,000 with applicable taxes. You need to pay this fee during the time of your NMAT registration. Moreover, the NMAT registration fee, which is INR 3,000, includes the payment for the five top colleges. Check out the NMAT exam fee details:


  • NMAT Registration Fees: INR 3,000 + applicable taxes

  • NMAT Exam Rescheduling Fees: INR 1,000 – INR 1,200 + applicable taxes

  • Retake NMAT Exam Fees: INR 3,000 + applicable taxes

  • NMAT Fee for Choosing Colleges Beyond Five: INR 300 per school + applicable taxes

How to Apply for NMAT?: Exam Registration Process

The NMAT exam registration process is a critical process. It requires full concentration and peace of mind to proceed. Make sure that your browser is up-to-date. For NMAT registration, you need Google Chrome 3.0, Safari, Mozilla 3.0, or Internet Explorer 8. After making sure, you can proceed with the following steps:

  • 🎓
    Visit the official website for NMAT exam registration: mba.com/exams/nmat.
  • 🎓
    Click on the registration button to set up your profile if you have not built one yet.
  • 🎓
    Fill in your phone number and email address to create a GMAC profile.
  • 🎓
    Log in to the website again with your generated credentials.
  • 🎓
    Navigate to the NMAT by GMAC section and click on it.
  • 🎓
    Fill out your application form with personal, academic, and work experience details.
  • 🎓
    Upload the copies of your documents and photographs.
  • 🎓
    Choose between Test Centre or Online Proctored at Home modes.
  • 🎓
    Make the payment via the available online payment methods.
  • 🎓
    Choose the location, date, and time for the NMAT exam after the payment is done.
  • 🎓
    You can choose the location across 76 centres in 73 cities.
  • 🎓
    Submit the form and download a copy for future reference.

NMAT Selection Criteria

NMAT selection is done based on the cutoffs for your desired institution. The selection process for the NMAT exam varies by institution. However, this criterion generally involves the following aspects:


  • Candidates are shortlisted based on cutoffs.

  • If selected, you shall be invited for a personal interview (PI), group discussions (GD), or a written ability test (WAT).

  • NMIMS specifically conducts a 45-minute competency test for MBA admissions. It tests mental, verbal, and managerial ability.

  • Final selection is done based on the overall performance in the NMAT exam and institute-specific selection rounds.

Note: Colleges publish the list of selected candidates individually.

Why Take NMAT Exam?

Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test or NMAT exam is one of the most popular tests for MBA admissions across top colleges in India and abroad. Unlike other MBA entrance exams, NMAT has various intriguing features. Check out:


  • Admission to Top B-Schools: Opportunity to get selected for NMIMS, SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, XIMB, and various international business schools.

  • Student-friendly Test: It has no negative marking scheme, which reduces the mental pressure due to exams.

  • Flexibility: You can take up to three attempts. Additionally, you have the freedom to choose your desired location, date, and time for the exam among available options.

  • Global Opportunities: Enrol in global MBA courses with 25 international institutes accepting the exam scores.

NMAT Exam Scores: Top Participating Colleges

The scores of the NMAT exam are accepted by over 50 top business schools in India and 25 overseas institutions. Here is a list of the top participating colleges in NMAT exam scores for MBA admissions. Take a look:

Top Colleges in India Accepting NMAT ScoresTop International Colleges for NMAT Exam
SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management StudiesAsian Institute of Management, Philippines
KJ Somaiya Institute of ManagementDe La Salle University, Philippines
SP Jain Institute of Management & ResearchAfrica Business School, Morocco
Great Lakes Institute of ManagementLagos Business School, Nigeria
Indian School of Business (ISB)Milpark Business School, South Africa
XIM UniversitySt. Paul University Manila, Philippines
ICFAI Business SchoolRedeemer’s University, Nigeria
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) UniversityRhodes Business School, South Africa
UPES DehradunCorvinus University of Budapest, Hungary
MIT World Peace UniversityAteneo Graduate School of Business, Philippines

Key Takeaway

MBA admissions through the NMAT exam is a stellar choice. The entrance exam opens your pathways to several top-ranked B-schools in India with reputations worldwide. Candidates seeking admission to global MBA courses at overseas institutes can also apply for the NMAT exam. While NMIMS is the most preferred institution via NMAT, you can consider the Indian School of Business, SP Jain, KJ Somaiya, etc. Moreover, the NMAT exam tests your basic aptitude skills in two hours, and its result is generally declared within 48 hours of the attempt. This quick take-and-know exam is a top choice for MBA aspirants. Prepare, register, and qualify to get selected.

FAQ’s

Q1. What is the NMAT exam for?

The NMAT exam is conducted by GMAC for admissions to MBA/PGDM courses to over 50 top business schools in India and 25 international institutions, spread across South Africa, Hungary, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Morocco.

Q2. Is NMAT tougher than CAT?

No, as compared to CAT, NMAT is not a tough exam. It contains moderate-level difficulty of questions and tests basic aptitude, such as language skills, logical reasoning, and quantitative skills.

Q3. What is the fees for NMAT exam?

NMAT exam fees are INR 3,000, including the registration and selection to the top 5 colleges. In addition to this, you need to pay additional applicable taxes. Moreover, if you want to apply for more than five schools, INR 300 would be charged per school.

Q4. Is it difficult to crack NMAT?

No, NMAT is a basic aptitude exam that contains questions with easy to moderate difficulty levels. With proper preparation and dedication, you could easily crack the exam. Make sure to solve mock tests every day before the one-month exam.

Q5. Can I join NMIMS without NMAT?

No, you cannot apply for NMIMS postgraduate or MBA courses without qualifying for the NMAT exam. However, you can consider an online MBA course from NMIMS that does not require NMAT exam scores.

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Isha - Author

Isha Education Counsellor / Editor

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Isha Jain holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature along with a Diploma in Digital Marketing, bringing a strong foundation in communication and content creation. With over 7 years of hands-on experience in the education domain, she has crafted impactful content across various formats - ranging from educational blogs and news articles to video scripts, newsletters, and learner-focused campaigns. As the editorial lead at Learning Routes, Isha plays a key role in shaping content that empowers students and working professionals to make confident choices about online courses and career-building certifications. Her deep understanding of the online education space is reflected in her writing, which aims to simplify complex decisions and provide real-world clarity to learners. Beyond her professional role, Isha has also written extensively on lifestyle and digital learning trends. She is passionate about guiding students and loves engaging in conversations around career development on platforms like LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit. Whether it's recommending the right upskilling path or demystifying online education, she has helped countless learners take confident steps toward their goals. In her spare time, you’ll find Isha reading, traveling, or playing sports to stay active and inspired.

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